A conversation with a friend introduced Skylor Kelley to the possibility of enrolling in the P-TECH program. "My neighbor was in it and told me about it. I decided to apply, interviewed, and figured why not do it as an alternate way of high school. It's turned out pretty nice."
P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. It's a program that provides high school students the opportunity to work toward their diploma and associate degree simultaneously, and ultimately a pathway to an in-demand job.
Kelley is a senior at Hannibal High School who began taking classes on the OCC campus during his junior year. "Once I started coming here I said 'I like this a lot.'" He chose the Mechanical Technology degree program, and discovered he enjoyed working with 3-D design software. He earned a perfect score while achieving his Solidworks certification. Solidworks is a 3-D design software used exclusively by OCC industry partners like SRC, Inc.
Kelley is extremely busy outside school. He works three days a week at Ontario Orchards, a farm market, bakery, and nursery in Oswego. He also has weekly Bible Study and Youth Group meetings. And in the spring, he plays baseball for Hannibal High School.
Next spring as his baseball season ends, he'll earn his high school diploma and OCC associate degree. "It will feel good to have that step ahead in life. And I'm very excited about not having any college debt!"
Kelley is planning for next summer. He's applied for a 3-D Design and Drawing internship at the Fulton Companies in Pulaski and Syracuse. His decision to choose the P-TECH path has worked out well. He hopes future students considering P-TECH will give it a try. "I'd tell them to go for it. It's a great opportunity if you're looking for an alternate route."
